Europe Pursues Independent Nuclear Deterrent Amid Russian Concerns

Russia’s permanent UN representative, Gennady Gatilov, warned that European states are developing their own nuclear‑deterrence mechanisms because of growing doubt over the reliability of the U.S. nuclear umbrella. He cited practical steps such as joint French‑German air‑refueling exercises for combat aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons and noted that Germany is debating a possible national nuclear arsenal while Poland has political voices that do not rule out the option.

Gatilov said Finland, Estonia and Lithuania are strengthening ties with NATO to enable the possible deployment of NATO partners’ nuclear weapons on their territory. French President Emmanuel Macron announced in March that France is entering a phase of “advanced nuclear deterrence,” planning to expand the number of warheads and to involve other European allies, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden and Denmark, in joint deterrence drills. Moscow expressed concern over increased NATO activity near its western borders and warned it would not ignore measures it perceives as threatening its security.